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(CBS News) “Made in Jersey,” CBS’ new drama debuting Friday night, follows Jersey girl Martina Garetti (Janet Montgomery) as she struggles to fit in with her Ivy League colleagues at a big New York City law firm.

After only a few weeks, one of the partners, Donovan Stark (Kyle MacLachlan), takes note of Martina’s resourcefulness and street smarts and she becomes a valuable member at the firm.

Her family in Jersey are her biggest supporters and keep her grounded as she becomes a young lawyer on the rise.

Montgomery, an English actress, told “CBS This Morning” on Friday, that, apart from the accent, her manager believed that the part was “perfect” for her and there was something extra she could bring to it.

In describing her character Montogmery said, “She a really strong independent female who is not only smart, but also has a real kind of humanity to her. So I think people really respond to her because she’s not just your regular female lead.”

The series premiere of “Made in Jersey” airs Friday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

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